Ex Aduana San Blas / Cultural Center
In 1768, the Port of San Blas was established in Nueva Galicia, Mexico, with the purpose of protecting the Pacific coast and becoming a gateway for Asian goods. Until a few years ago, the building of the old San Blas customs still preserved its first level and an old corridor used as an exhibition space. In addition, there are a series of small workshops and remnants of the original structure, made of handmade adobe bricks.
The main objective of the current intervention in the historic building was its recovery and the construction of workshops for the cultural development of the community, accompanied by a museum and exhibition area. The intervention began by consolidating the adobe remnants to preserve the memory of the past. Then, a contemporary structure was created with locally made adobe elements, defining public spaces such as squares and workshop areas.
The heart of the courtyards is inhabited by an industrial-style bridge, a viewing platform and vertical walkway that allows visitors to reach the rooftop of the historic building and the rooftop of the workshops. In addition, there is an outdoor forum shaped like a Sikuli, a Huichol structure that represents the composition of the universe and the connection between human beings, nature, and the universe.
The composition of four adobe planes allowed for a new relationship between the existing building and the new structures, between the past and the present, and between nature and the constructed structures. The building seeks to unfold activities to a second level with other opportunities for wind, views, and light, turning the same rooftops into box seat spaces for cultural activities. The vertical walkway becomes a journey through time in the memory of one of the oldest buildings in this port.
CREDITS
Project: COLECTIVO C733 - Eric Valdez (Labg), Gabriela Carrillo (Taller Gabriela Carrillo), Israel Espín (Taller Israel Espín), José Amozurrutia y Carlos Facio (TO)
Design Team: Sofía Pavón, Roberto Rosales, Abraham Espindola
Structures: Labg, GIEE
Electrical and mechanical engineering: Enrique Zenón
Landscape design: Taller de Paisaje Hugo Sánchez
Other consultants: Luz en arquitectura, Pedro Lechuga, TEMAS MX
